24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) in Leicester

NICE guidelines (NG136) recommend ABPM as the preferred method for confirming a diagnosis of hypertension because it is significantly more accurate and reproducible than clinic readings. A single clinic measurement is prone to variability due to anxiety, physical exertion, or timing. ABPM provides multiple readings across real-world conditions, producing a reliable average that better predicts cardiovascular risk.

White coat hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure readings that occur only in a clinical setting. It is estimated to affect up to 20% of patients diagnosed with hypertension based on clinic readings alone. ABPM will demonstrate normal ambulatory readings in these individuals, avoiding the need for unnecessary antihypertensive medication.

Masked hypertension is the opposite of white coat hypertension: blood pressure appears normal in the clinic but is elevated during everyday activities. It carries a similar cardiovascular risk to sustained hypertension and can only be reliably identified by ambulatory or home monitoring.

The cuff inflates approximately every 30 minutes during waking hours (typically 07:00–23:00) and every 60 minutes overnight (23:00–07:00), providing 40 or more data points for robust clinical analysis.

The inflation of the cuff can feel tight and mildly uncomfortable, particularly at night. However, most patients tolerate the monitor very well and are able to continue their normal activities throughout the day. The device is compact and designed to be worn discreetly under clothing.

Continue with your normal daily activities. When the cuff begins to inflate, keep your arm still and at your side. Avoid vigorous exercise, swimming, or showering with the device on. Keep the monitor unit dry at all times. If a reading shows an error, the device will retry automatically.

In most cases, continue taking your regular medications as normal, particularly if you are on antihypertensive treatment, as the purpose of the test may be to assess how effectively your medication is working throughout the day. Please discuss any specific concerns with our clinical team at fitting.

Your written report, reviewed by one of our doctors, will be available within 24 working hours of returning the device. A follow-up consultation can be arranged to discuss findings and any recommended next steps.

A 24-hour average below 130/80 mmHg is generally considered normal. Stage 1 hypertension is indicated by a 24-hour average of 130–134/80 mmHg or above, and Stage 2 by 150/95 mmHg or above. Nocturnal readings should typically be 10–20% lower than daytime readings; failure to dip is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.